Smart Growth

Good planning is a major reason that Raleigh is the prosperous and beautiful city that we all enjoy. It is critically important that we continue to plan carefully for future growth, providing opportunities and choices in how we live, work and play.  Good planning, strong neighborhoods and collective creativity are what make Raleigh consistently rank amongst the best place to live in America!

Raleigh is projected to experience the highest population growth rate in the U.S. through 2020.

Sustainable development is key to successfully navigating growth, we cannot sacrifice our area’s future for short-term gains. Investment in infrastructure should be based on a clear vision, managing our resources for the long-term vitality of Raleigh. Water usage and supply must be a top priority; only good growth planning will assure that we have adequate drinking water supply to meet the demands of our projected growth rate over the next 30 years.

Quality growth is essential for the long-term vitality of Raleigh and the surrounding region. While servings as Chair of the Council’s Comprehensive Planning Committee, Nancy played a pivotal role in developing Raleigh’s widely praised Comprehensive Plan which was approved by the Council in October 2009. That plan took 18 months, and was the result of a careful evaluation of citizen, municipal and business interests.  Mayor McFarlane has also been instrumental in developing the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)which guides the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Nancy is committed to a UDO that protects neighborhoods, while providing direction, flexibility and certainty to zoning.  She is working with citizens across Raleigh to update the ordinance, and make sure the plan meets those goals.